THE NEXT MORNING, Mark arrived at the Maddens’ at ten, as promised. He’d stopped at Jamie’s barn earlier, where Topper helped him tack up two horses. Emma let him in and laid a finger over her lips.
“Why do I have to shush?” he whispered.
“Because,” she whispered back.
“Because why?”
“Well, let me ask you this. Would you rather go for your ride alone, or with a chaperone?”
Mark grinned. “Alone, of course.”
“Then it’d be a good idea to shush.” Emma closed the door with quiet click. “Gabby will be down in a minute and if we planned this right, Theo won’t know she’s left the house until after you’re gone.”
“I knew your sneakiness would benefit me one day.”
She rolled her eyes, and he stifled a laugh.
“Did you take riding lessons before you came here?”
Mark nodded. “Crow gave me a crash-course in the “art” of riding. It was a lot of holding on for dear life at the beginning, but I think I’m pretty competent now. Doubt I’ll ever get to your level, but I’ve learned enough to fake it.”
“I’m kind of impressed with you, you know.”
“Oh, really?”
Emma smiled. “You set your mind to something and made it happen. I know you’ve done that most of your life, but still, you’re kind of amazing.”
He gave her a quick hug. “Back atya, buddy.”
The rustle of fabric drew Mark’s gaze to the stairs. Wearing a deep-blue riding habit that only made Mark long to see her out of said riding habit, Gabrielle descended the stairs. Evaline walked down behind her.
Gabrielle smiled and Mark reached out his hand to assist her from the last step. “You are stunning.”
Her cheeks bloomed to a lovely shade of pink. “Thank you.”
“Are you ready?”
She nodded and Mark eased her into a warm coat and then followed her outside. Gabrielle let out a gasp and rushed to the large Morgan palomino tethered to the porch railing. She ran her hands over his muzzle. “Oh, you are just magnificent.”
“His name’s Suncatcher.”
Gabby sighed. “Am I to ride him?”
Mark grinned. “You’ll have to. I’m not used to riding sidesaddle.”
“Oh!” She leaned back to get a better view of the saddle. “I didn’t notice. You must think me a dolt.”
He shook his head. “Not a word I’d ever associate with you. I didn’t bring a horse for you, Evaline. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you’d be joining us.”
“I’m not.”
He drew his eyebrows together in confusion.
“She’s here in case we don’t get away before Theo comes,” Gabrielle explained. “Evaline has made plans with John Harper, Miss Powell’s man.”
Mark grinned. “I see. Well, thank you for your subterfuge, Evaline.”
“My pleasure.”
Untying Suncatcher, Mark held his hand out to Gabrielle and then lifted her onto the horse’s back. Once she was settled, he handed her the reins and mounted his horse. “Jamie said there’s a great pond not far from here, or do you have somewhere you’d rather go?”
“No, that sounds lovely.”
Mark guided his horse in the direction Jamie had mapped out for him earlier. They rode in silence for several minutes, Mark enraptured by the sight of Gabrielle on a horse that suited her perfectly.
“Is this one of Captain Ford’s horses?” she asked.
“Yes. I understand he’s had him for about a year.”
“He’s just perfect.” She patted his neck. “Would you mind if we went a little faster?”
“Not at all.” Mark grinned. “Lead the way.”
Gabrielle took off and Mark was hard pressed to catch her. Her riding ability far exceeded his own and her horse galloped much faster. Luckily, she reached a crossroads and since she didn’t know the way to the water, Mark had a few moments to reseat himself. He directed her to their destination and once again had to work to keep up with her.
The dense grove of trees Jamie had described forced the couple to a walk, which Mark was more than happy to do. He needed a minute to regroup.
She glanced at him and bit her lip. “Are you angry?”
“About what?”
She pulled Suncatcher to a stop. “That I took off at a dead run.”
He smiled. “Gabrielle, you’re a grown woman. I trust you know your limits, unless that’s an incorrect assumption to make.”
“I think, Mark Battaglia, you may be entirely too good to be true.”
Mark chuckled. “Get to know me a bit better and you’ll probably change your mind.”
She laughed, and Mark had to control his reaction. His attraction to her was not at all what he was used to and he wasn’t quite sure he liked it.
The trees opened up to reveal a large pool of water, frozen enough that the sky reflected off its surface. Mark dismounted and tied his horse to one of the trees, then lifted Gabrielle from Suncatcher and tied him as well. He took her hand and slipped it into the crook of his arm.
“You know, Mr. Battaglia, I have just realized you used my given name without permission,” Gabrielle said.
“Did I, Miss Butler?” Mark grinned, although he didn’t look at her. “How remiss of me. Whatever will you do about it?”
She shrugged. “I’ll probably stew on it for a few days until I come up with a sufficient punishment.”
Mark laughed. “Damn it, you are adorable.”
“I am?”
He faced her. “So much so, I’m having a difficult time not kissing you.”
“Oh,” she whispered. “You’re impossible to resist, Mr. Battaglia.”
Mark removed one of his gloves and stroked her cheek. “Your skin is so soft.”
She closed her eyes and licked her lips. Mark couldn’t resist any further. He leaned down and covered her mouth with his. Gently pressing his thumb against her chin, he guided her mouth open and deepened the kiss.
He didn’t know how long they stood on the bank. He lost all sense of time as soon as he had her in his arms. He forced himself to the break the kiss, resting his forehead against hers. “Please wait a few minutes before slapping me.”
She shook her head. “I couldn’t slap you, even if I should.”
He raised his head, still cupping her cheek. “I feel this inexplicable desire to marry you immediately.”
She chuckled. “You must not have heard about me, then. I’m impossible to get to the altar.”
“Would you settle for a courtship?”
“Mark,” she sighed, and stepped away. “Truly. There would be no point in a courtship. It leads to an expectation of marriage, and I wouldn’t be a good wife.”
He grasped her arm. “I’m not really interested in the experiences you’ve had in the past, Gabrielle. I’d like to get to know you, and a courtship seems the best way to do that.”
“If not for marriage ultimately, then to what end?”
“Didn’t I just explain it?”
She pressed her lips into a thin line and turned to face the water.
Mark stood beside her, shoulder to shoulder. “What are you afraid of?”
She took a deep breath. “Honestly?”
“Always.”
“I suppose I’m apprehensive about your intentions.”
“Ask me anything,” he said.
“I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
“How else will you ease your trepidations? Ask me anything. What’s the worst that could happen?”
She crossed her arms and faced him. “All manner of horrors.”
Mark laughed. “Gia.”
“Gia? This is what you want to call me?”
He grinned. “Absolutely.”
“Mark. Don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t call me that, standing there, more handsome than I can bear, and...”
“And?” he pressed.
“And make me believe you care about what I think.”
“I do care about what you think.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Did you know I come with a dowry?”
“Did you know I don’t care?”
“It’s quite significant.”
“Gabrielle.” He laid his hands on her shoulders. “I don’t care about your money. I have plenty of my own. Whether you’re a princess or a pauper, I still want to get to know you.”
“I speak my mind... well, most of the time.”
“I think more women should speak their minds.”
“You do?” she asked.
“I do.”
She shook her head. “My family is... ah... protective.”
“They won’t scare me away, if that’s what you’re worried about.” He ran his thumb along her lower lip. “What else ya got?”
“Your language is quite bizarre. Sometimes, I don’t quite understand what you’re saying.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You’ll decode me faster than you think.”
“Are you truly this open-minded?”
“I simply want everyone to be treated with respect, regardless of gender, race, or color. I don’t know that I’d call that open-minded... just the right way to think.”
“You scare me.”
Mark smiled. “I know I do, but I’m not really that scary. You’ll figure that out.”
“In time?”
“In time for what?”
“In time to keep my heart from breaking.”
Mark shook his head. “It’s my heart that will break, Gia. Not yours.”
“I don’t know.”
He leaned down and kissed her again. “How about now?”
She grasped the lapels of his jacket. “Mark.”
He grinned and then kissed her again. “Give us a chance. You can call it off anytime you want to. I promise.”
“I have no power over you.”
He laughed. “So my evil plan is working.”
“Do not break my heart.”
“I won’t.” He leaned down to kiss her again, but she turned her head. “What?”
“I don’t want my decision to be swayed by your kisses.”
“I thought the decision had already been made.”
“We are still negotiating.”
Mark chuckled. “Well, then let me use what I have... otherwise, I’ll lose for sure.”
She bit her lip and then sighed. “No, it’s me that has already lost.”
“What have you lost?”
“My sanity, apparently.”
He linked his fingers with hers. “Are you telling me I’m courting a crazy woman?”
Gabrielle laughed. “That’s exactly what I’m telling you.”
He lifted her hand to his lips. “Even better.”
“In all seriousness, though, I return home in two weeks.”
“Which is where?”
“Maryland. Catonsville, to be exact.”
“We’ll work it out.”
She cocked her head. “Do you not believe in obstacles?”
“Not anymore.” He grinned.
“Why?”
He smiled and after a few seconds of silence, she smiled as well.
“A secret?” she asked.
Mark nodded. “One I’ll be happy to share when we know each other better.”
“I wish I had your faith.”
“You will.” He grinned. “Will you give me a chance to show you just a little bit of forever?”
He kissed her again and she smiled against his lips. “I suppose two weeks is an adequate amount of time to learn a few secrets.”
“Absolutely.”
Snowflakes began to fall and Gabrielle groaned. “So much for our outing.”
“We’ll have other outings,” Mark promised, leading her back to their horses.
“Chaperoned, yes.”
“Ah, I see.”
“What exactly do you see, Mr. Battaglia?” she asked in suspicion.
They reached the horses and he leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I will find time for us to be alone.”
She closed her eyes briefly. “I’m in trouble, aren’t I?”
“One can only hope.”
Gabrielle chuckled, and Mark lifted her onto Suncatcher. He waited until she was settled and then mounted his own horse. They rode back as slowly as they could, wanting to stretch out their moments together, but also mindful of the snowfall.
They rode up to the Maddens’ home and the front door opened and slammed shut. Theo stood with his arms crossed, glaring at his sister. He waited until Gabrielle reined her horse to a stop then stormed toward her. Mark dismounted and stepped between Gabrielle and Theo. He lifted Gabrielle from her horse and kept her behind him.
“If you’re angry, direct that at me,” Mark said.
Theo stared him down, but Mark stood his ground.
Theo scowled. “She knows better.”
“What exactly does she know?” Mark challenged.
“I’ll discuss this with my sister.”
“I’m sure you will, but first, you’ll talk to me. Your sister is a grown woman who’s incredibly intelligent. She is capable of making her own decisions without you making her feel like an errant child,” Mark said.
“Mark,” she whispered.
He squeezed her arm, but kept her behind him. “If you have a question about her safety, be assured she was perfectly safe in my care. And if you have a question about her reputation, we were outside, under the ever-watchful eye of anyone who might pass by, and fully clothed at all times.”
“I don’t think this is an appropriate conversation for mixed company,” Theo said.
“Well, that’s your hang-up, not mine. I have asked for your sister’s permission to court her and she has accepted, so I do hope you’ll wrap your mind around the fact I’m going to spend quite a bit of time with her.”
“I haven’t given permission for you to court her.”
Mark shrugged. “I don’t really care. Again, she’s a grown woman, and you’re not her father. It really has nothing to do with you.”
Theo frowned. “Come inside, Gabby. We’ll discuss this after you’re warm.”
“She’s not going anywhere with you until you give me your word that you will not harass her about this.”
Gabby moved from behind Mark’s back and shook her head. “I appreciate your attempt to protect me, Mark, but I’m freezing and would rather not be the subject of a conversation when I’m not invited into it.”
He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I think I got carried away. Let’s finish this inside.”
“No. You go ahead and take the horses back,” Theo said. “I’ll tend to my sister.”
Mark chuckled without mirth. “Wow, your world must be fascinating.”
“Excuse me? My world?”
“The world in your head you obviously dwell in. I’m not someone you can order around or manipulate into doing your bidding. You see, I’m also an adult, and quite capable of making my own decisions. One of which, is to escort Gabrielle into the home of my close friend and make certain she’s comfortable.”
He laid his hand on Gabrielle’s back and moved to follow her inside. Theo stepped between them and laid his hand on Mark’s shoulder.
“I’d highly suggest you move your hand, buddy,” Mark warned.
“What will you do about it?”
Mark grabbed Theo’s wrist, twisting his arm behind his back, and had him on his knees in seconds. Gabrielle let out a frightened squeak and moved to assist her brother.
“Don’t,” Mark said. “He’ll be fine, provided he learns to never do that again.” He leaned down to Theo’s ear. “It might also be a good idea not to get between me and your sister in the future. She’s the only one who can stop me from seeing her. Are we clear?”
The rustle of fabric and then the familiar sound of Emma groaning distracted Mark just enough to release Theo and step back.
“Mark,” Emma admonished, and then looked at Theo, who was now on his feet. “What did you do?”
Theo rubbed his arm and pushed his way inside. “I’d rather not discuss it.”
“Is there anything you need me to clarify?” Mark asked Theo.
Theo shook his head, his face red with irritation, but he was smart enough not to voice his frustrations. Gabrielle pulled her brother aside, leaving Emma and Mark standing in the foyer.
“Have you driven someone to try to hit you already?” Emma asked.
“What do you mean?”
“You don’t typically threaten someone unless they offend someone you love or make the mistake of touching your precious temple of a body.” She grinned. “So, what happened?”
“Both.”
She glanced behind her. “Well, he probably won’t do it again.”
“He better not.” Mark watched Gabrielle attempt to calm her brother down. Their intense whispers didn’t reach his ears, but their body language spoke volumes. Theo stood with his arms crossed, while Gabby tried to place a comforting hand on him. He moved away from her touch.
“Are you going to wait for Jess?” Emma asked.
“She’s here?”
Emma nodded. “She’s checking on the babies.”
“He had some work to do. He dropped her off a little while ago.”
“Yes, I’ll wait then.”
Emma leaned in closer. “Even if Gabby fights you on this thing with her brother, you should know that she already thinks you’re her hero,” she whispered. “She told me what happened at dinner and switching the place cards.”
“Oh?”
“Yep. But you didn’t hear it from me.”
Mark grinned. “Didn’t hear what?”
Emma giggled. “Okay, I’m going back upstairs. Be good.”
“I’m always good.”
“Well, behave, then.”
Mark laughed and watched her leave. He moved into the parlor in an effort to give Gabrielle and Theo some privacy, and settled in for what he assumed would be a long wait.